The UK's Legal Aid Agency has become the latest victim of a significant cyberattack, leading to the shutdown of its online services. The breach, which was first detected on April 23, was found to be more extensive than initially thought by last Friday. Personal information, including criminal records, national insurance numbers, and payment details of both lawyers and clients, has been compromised.

Jane Harbottle, chief executive of Legal Aid, expressed her shock and regret over the incident, emphasizing the necessity of taking radical action to protect the service and its users. The decision to take the online service offline was made as a precautionary measure to prevent further unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Hackers have reportedly claimed access to 2.1 million pieces of data, a figure that the UK government has not yet confirmed. The breach has exposed a significant amount of personal data spanning 15 years, including addresses, birth dates, criminal history, employment status, and financial information of individuals seeking legal assistance.

The National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre are currently working with the Legal Aid Agency to investigate the breach and mitigate its effects. The agency plays a crucial role in providing legal assistance to those unable to afford it, making the breach a matter of significant concern for privacy and security advocates.

Recent revelations have shed light on the early reservations held by a close confidante of the late Queen Elizabeth II regarding Meghan Markle's relationship with Prince Harry. Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin of the Queen and a respected figure within royal circles, reportedly expressed doubts about the sincerity of Meghan's feelings for Harry, suggesting that the former actress might have 'engineered' their romance. These claims, brought to light by royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, highlight the tensions that existed within the royal family prior to the couple's 2018 wedding.

According to Bedell Smith's account, Lady Anson, who was known for her close relationship with the Queen and her role as a royal party planner, initially found Meghan to be 'full of charm' and 'intelligent and thoughtful' upon her engagement to Harry. However, as the wedding approached, Lady Anson's perspective shifted, leading her to question whether Meghan was truly in love with Harry or if she had orchestrated their relationship for personal gain. 'We hope but don't quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all,' Lady Anson is reported to have said.

The biographer also recounts Lady Anson's concerns about the dynamic between Meghan and Harry, noting that Meghan's intelligence and strength could overshadow Harry's more subdued personality. 'Meghan is clearly brighter than Harry, but she has to be careful not to overshadow him,' Lady Anson allegedly remarked. These comments reflect the broader unease within parts of the royal family about the couple's compatibility and the potential challenges their union might bring to the monarchy.

In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has declined to comment, while a source close to the couple dismissed the allegations as 'just gossip.' Nonetheless, these revelations offer a glimpse into the private discussions and concerns that surrounded one of the most talked-about royal weddings in recent history, underscoring the complexities of integrating a Hollywood actress into the centuries-old traditions of the British royal family.